2021 Broncos' Season, Bye Week Frenzy

 


The Broncos didn't play a game this week but they've been far from quiet. The first blushes of news came as Vic Fangio confirmed the team wouldn't be making any coaching changes. Despite another week of blunders in Week 10, Tom McMahon stayed with the Special Teams.

Then came the confirmation Teddy Bridgewater would remain the team's quarterback. The fervor over his replacement came this time not from his play, but rather the play he didn't make. In Week 10, in a seven-point game, Teddy saved himself and didn't try to make a tackle on a defender who returned a fumble for a touchdown. Darius Slay had a good head of steam and it's possible Teddy couldn't have missed him. But not even trying didn't win him any fans.

Still, I get it to some degree. He's had serious injury issues in the past, it wasn't an ideal play for a quarterback to make and with Drew Lock on the COVID List, Teddy didn't have much behind him. Should he have tried? I suppose. But that's the way it goes. And his play on the field, where he's produced 2,389 yards, 14 touchdowns and five interceptions is good enough to continue.

Finally, the Broncos got some positive news when they signed Tim Patrick to a three-year extension. While I was excited about the move, I couldn't help what it would mean for the other pending free agent, Courtland Sutton. Today, the Broncos announced an extension for Sutton, too, meaning the team has Sutton, Patrick, Jerry Jeudy, K.J. Hamler, Noah Fant, Albert Okwuegbunam and Javonte Williams all under contract in 2022.

That's a murder's row of talent at the skill positions, all of which begs the question, what next? Last off-season it was rumored the Broncos pursued Aaron Rodgers and the team admitted they made an offer on Matthew Stafford. Neither move happened, but could it mean Denver will be in on Rodgers and/or Deshaun Watson this off-season? If so, the team is certainly poised with the weapons on offense needed to compete.

For the balance of 2021 the team will use its strong core to try and remain in the playoff race. That's no small task in the tightly-packed AFC, but it's encouraging to see Sutton and Patrick will be with the Broncos long-term. Now we just need the right quarterback/coach/coordinator tandem for a return to playoff glory.

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